imanaga environment planning office: house for astronomical painter

imanaga environment planning office: house for astronomical painter, japan 

all images courtesy of imanaga environment planning office

tokyo-based architect kazutoshi imanaga has designed a ‘house for an astronomical painter.’ the ship-like masses create a crisp white silhouette that is both countered and complemented by a 12-sided wooden tower that serves as a library. in keeping with the conceptual trope of astronomy, the dodecagon refers to the 12 astronomical houses that express and order the spheres and cusps of life based on solar and planetary positioning. much like the ecliptic plane upon which the astronomical houses are organized, the program is roped around the wood-clad cylindrical library. angled wall planes reveal moments of glazing that open interiors to a modest courtyard– all within the lines of sight of the materially distinct, shelf-lined turret. rooftop apertures keep a continuous amount of daylight pervading the most tucked-away nooks of the home, inextricably connecting the home to the sky.  

exterior view of the dodecagon library as its form presides over the white masses of the dwelling

(left): view of the library stairs from the entranceway (right): the intersection of materials begins in the circulation leading to the turret-like library

flanked by glazing, the home’s proportions culminate in the tower-like reading space

view into the living room

the kitchen and dining room are located behind the living room 

(left): bedroom view (right): interior view of the bookshelf-lined library

the 12-sided volume is additionally fitted with an oculus that invites in a cutout of the moving sky

(left): more hidden apertures allow diffused light into quieter spaces like the bathroom(right): large glazed openings face an interior courtyard

night views highlight the interior opening of the architectural mass and the faceted tower